AIFF Discriminating Against I-League, Says Mohun Bagan

According to I-League rules, the clubs are allowed to register four foreigners. In contrast, the newly launched city-based ISL permits franchises to take on seven foreigners as also a marquee player.

Written by Indo-Asian News Service

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A file pic of AIFF president Praful Patel.

AIFF Discriminating Against I-League, Says Mohun Bagan:

A file pic of AIFF president Praful Patel.

Accusing the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of adopting a "discriminatory attitude" towards I-League, Mohun Bagan Monday said it would demand an increase in the number of foreigners to be at par with the Indian Super League (ISL).

According to I-League rules, the clubs are allowed to register four foreigners. In contrast, the newly launched city-based ISL permits franchises to take on seven foreigners as also a marquee player.

"The AIFF works for the improvement of football in the country. Towards that end, it runs the I-League. Now, for the same reason it has given the go-ahead to the ISL. But it allows us (I-League) clubs to register only four foreigners, Whereas ISL franchisees are allowed eight. Why is this discriminatory attitude towards the I-League?" Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra told IANS.

Demanding that the I-League clubs be allowed to register more foreigners, Mitra said: "We will write to the AIFF on the step-motherly attitude towards the I-League."

However, he made it clear that the club "has no problem" with the ISL.

"That's the reason we are releasing our players for the ISL," Mitra said.